FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a much-loved community campaigner.

Mary Achilles, who was well known in Runcorn and throughout her home estate of Castlefields, died aged 71.

She worked tirelessly to promote the needs of the residents since moving there in the early 1970s with her young family.

In July, 2003, Mary's name went down in history when Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT) named one of their developments ' Achilles Court'.

However, due to Mary's nature she selflessly dedicated the court to her late husband Tommy and her family of whom she was so proud.

Despite a debilitating illness, she was devoted to her family and a much valued 'rock' to many of her friends.

Mary was still very much an active member of the Residents' Association and Community Forum, was on LHT board of management, served as LHT's district committee chair, was a member of the Community Safety Forum and worked closely with Runcorn Residents Federation, CDS, Castlefields Community Centre, Halton Borough Council, The Park School, Firewatch and with Christ Church PCC.

'I can't remember a time my mum wasn't doing something for the community,' said daughter Jeanette, who along with her brother Thomas and sisters Debbie and Jacqui paid tribute to Mary.

Her youngest grandson, Gareth, 10 said: 'She was like a Nan to everyone.'

Her funeral takes place on June 27 at St Mary's Church, Halton, at 10.45 am followed by cremation at Walton Lea at noon. Family flowers only. Any donations can be made via Gretta Rigby, Funeral Director, Runcorn.